![couple looks out to waterfront during sunset in Chicago Engagement Session by film wedding photographer Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer06-875x659.jpg)
I had no idea this Chicago waterfront engagement session would turn into one of my all time favorites. The tones in these film images are everything I dream of. Tell me the lake is always like this… but I’m pretty sure we got lucky. I flew out to photograph Liz and Adam before their Detroit wedding at the Masonic Temple and this is what I captured.
Liz and I grew up going to the same school and running on the same amazing high school team (go Grosse Pointe South). So, it was a huge honor to be invited back to create photographs for her during this time. Since graduating and moving away she started a job in broadcasting and there she met Adam. Equally similar and opposite they balance each other so well.
![pulling holding hands walking together chic elegant couple in chicago engagement session by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer07-1-771x1024.jpg)
Chicago Waterfront Engagement Session
The plan for this shoot was to start with more casual images. In their neighborhood and at Wrigley Field then on to the waterfront. I ended up loving this set more. The glam look and perfect sunset speaks volumes. Afterwards we went out to dinner and I can’t imagine a better plan for an engagement session.
![close embrace hug kiss on the forehead shot on film during engagement session in Chicago by film photographer Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer09-1-771x1024.jpg)
how we created this natural editorial look
There are two things that I find to be the key to pulling off a set of images like this. The first is trust in me. Not just in the way you expect your photographer to get the shot you want, but knowing that I have a vision for what will work. This gives you permission to be yourself in front of the camera and move past any fears or anxiety.
A second key is to commiting to an elevated style. A lot of couples are initially afraid of dressing up, since it seems like too much compared to their day to day. However, you don’t take pictures that often, so I say go for it. Hair and makeup before the shoot and a well thought out look will make all the difference.
![chic couple kisses while walking in Chicago on waterfront during sunset by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer10-1-771x1024.jpg)
![couple walks during sunset on the waterfront with Chicago city skyline in the background by film wedding photographer Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer17-771x1024.jpg)
Chicago has a perfect skyline to see from the water. I can’t believe how stunning it was that night. They danced it away – for a moment – and Liz told me later it convinced them they needed dance lessons before the wedding.
![classic couple dances in bw film with chicago skyline behind them by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer30-771x1024.jpg)
![couple kiss on the cheek in Chicago engagement photo by film wedding photographer Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer21-771x1024.jpg)
I love how effortless they look, and it just shows that you don’t have to go over the top to achieve and elegant editorial look.
![couple smiles looking towards water on the riverfront in Chicago engagement photo by film wedding photographer Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer20.jpg)
![couple dances and twirls into dip in Chicago with city skyline in distance at night engaged by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer29-771x1024.jpg)
![portrait of woman holding man with ring looking over shoulder bw abstract modern engagement photo on film by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer26-771x1024.jpg)
![portrait of a man and woman kissing with Chicago skyline city in the background engagement photo on bw film by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer25-875x659.jpg)
![couple stands in front of lights in embrace happy in Chicago downtown in bw by Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer02-1.jpg)
As a destination wedding photographer I find new places are normal. What brings things together are the relationships and people. I would love to hear from you if you are interested in learning about working together. Send me a message and so I can hear about what you are planning and share how I can make your wedding even better.
![Chicago in bw at night city lights with romantic moment for engaged couple Mary Dougherty](https://marydougherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-waterfront-engagement-mary-dougherty-new-york-photographer04-1.jpg)
The Find Lab processed all the film from this shoot. The Chicago Wedding blog Chi Thee Wed recently featured this shoot, see it here!